Greg Cranmer, a DuBois-based agent for State Farm Insurance, and the State Farm Insurance Company have donated a total of $3,000 to Penn State DuBois to fund multicultural programs at the campus. Cranmer, himself, contributed $1,500, and State Farm matched his gift under the company's Multicultural Sponsorship Program.

Specifically, the funds will sponsor a lecture event at the campus on Oct. 16, featuring Daniel Hernandez. Hernandez was the congressional intern credited with saving the life of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords following the January 2011 attack during which Giffords was shot. Hernandez will fill many roles as a speaker when he appears on campus. He will speak for National Coming Out Day, as well as Hispanic Heritage Month. Additionally, new students will read his book, "They Call Me a Hero: A Memoir of My Youth" as part of their orientation process this fall. Books also will be furnished by the donation made by Cranmer and State Farm.

"We want to better serve the community and be invested in the campus; that's a primary focus," Cranmer said of State Farm's gift and the intentions behind the company's Multicultural Sponsorship Program. "We also want to embrace the multicultural community that doesn't get a lot of attention in this area."

Information from State Farm's headquarters explained, "The State Farm Companies Foundation and State Farm values inclusiveness and diversity. Therefore, charitable funding is intended to advance access, equity, and inclusiveness while discouraging harmful discrimination based on age, political affiliation, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation or identity, or religious beliefs."

At Penn State DuBois, professionals in the Student Life Office and the Office of International and Multicultural Student Services make every effort to expose all students to various cultures and experiences in order to provide the most well-rounded education. Programs like the ones featuring Hernandez provide many of those enlightening moments. Assistant Director of Student Affairs Marly Doty said it is support from local businesses and the community, like the gift from Cranmer and State Farm that make these programs possible.

"I’m excited about this partnership with Greg Cranmer and State Farm and the experiences this sponsorship has unlocked for our students at Penn State DuBois," said Doty.